Amphetamine is a psychostimulant drug that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Its primary effects are wakefulness and improved focus. The drug is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Amphetamine is highly addictive and should only be used under the careful supervision of a qualified physician. Amphetamine-based stimulant medications are also more likely to cause a loss of appetite and weight loss than methylphenidate-based medications. Amphetamines can also be deadly when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant.

Like all stimulant medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cause sleeplessness, loss and appetite and weight loss. Other common side effects include the following: